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My Not-Likely-Better-Than-a-Coin-Toss-Predictions - Round 1
Eastern Conference
(1) Pittsburgh vs. (8) NY Islanders
--The Islanders are finally a playoff team again, and have some talent. But Pittsburgh, even without Sidney Crosby, has more offense than any team in the league. If Crosby comes back from his broken jaw, they have 10 major scoring threats on a 20 man roster. If Crosby doesn't return, they're still going to rout the Isles.
Penguins in 5.
(2) Montréal vs. (7) Ottawa
--My bias here makes this one unreliable. Still, Les Habitants have the more balanced team, both offensively and defensively, and their special teams are incredible. The Senators had the more reliable goaltending this year, which makes this one hard to predict. If Price doesn't stabilize his play, or Anderson goes on a hot streak, Ottawa could stage a major upset here. Still, bias and odds combined...
Canadiens in 7.
(3) Washington vs. (6) NY Rangers
--Ovechkin and the capitals have come on strong in the last half of the season, going from second last place just two months ago, to leading their division. Still, the Rangers have played everyone tough all year, and Ovechkin & company have a tendency to choke in the playoffs. If there's going to be an upset somewhere, this would be my guess.
Rangers in 7.
(4) Boston vs. (5) Toronto
--Woah. The Maple Leafs made the playoffs? Queue a parade in Toronto. Last time the Make-me Laughs were playing hockey rather than golf in the spring, my son was still in diapers. Still, they've got some talent here. If they can avoid trying to play physical against Boston's goon squad, and set their own pace, they could actually win this. In all likelihood, though, the Leafs will lose their cool and try to fight fire with fire. If that happens, the Leafs will fall.
Bruins in 6.
Western Conference
(1) Chicago vs. (8) Minnesota
--The 'Hawks have had an incredible season. The Wild barely managed to sneak into the playoffs on their very last game, without any fanfare. Their exit will be no less unimpressive.
Blackhawks in 4.
(2) Anaheim vs. (7) Detroit
--This has to be a final season for Selanne. Anaheim has had an impressive year, Saku Koivu playing as well as he ever has. Detroit, meanwhile, celebrates their 22nd consecutive season in the playoffs. That's all Detroit will have to celebrate this year.
Ducks in 5.
(3) Vancouver vs. (6) San Jose
--Don't let the position fool you. Only two points separated these two clubs. This is anybody's series. The Sharks may actually have more talent. But the goaltending controversy in Vancouver can only benefit the Canucks. When a guy like Roberto Luongo is your backup, you're in good shape. This is the hardest series for me to pick a favorite. In the end, I like the Sedin twins more than Joe Thornton.
Canucks in 7. Maybe.
(4) St. Louis vs. (5) Los Angeles
--The Blues have played very well this year, and may be hungrier than the Kings. I just don't think they have enough talent to stand up to the defending champions. One thing is sure - whichever team gets out of this matchup is in for a brutal second round.
King in 7.
_________________
Well Ali Baba had them forty thieves, Scheherezade had a thousand tales
But master you in luck 'cause up your sleeves you got a brand of magic never fails...
...Mister Aladdin, sir, What will your pleasure be?
Let me take your order, Jot it down -You ain't never had a friend like me
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